As cities get brighter, the negative impacts of artificial light at night are becoming impossible to ignore. Light pollution disrupts ecosystems, confuses migratory animals, wastes energy, and obscures our view of the stars. More critically, a growing body of medical research links excessive nighttime light exposure, particularly blue light, to human health issues, including sleep disorders and potential increased risks for certain diseases. The lighting industry is now part of the solution. Initiatives focus on developing and promoting „dark sky friendly“ fixtures that direct light downward where it is needed, minimizing glare and skyglow. Regulations in many regions now mandate full-cutoff designs for outdoor lighting. Tunable systems can also dim or shift to warmer spectra during late-night hours. The challenge is balancing safety, security, and aesthetic needs with ecological and health concerns. This is driving a new philosophy in design: using the right amount and quality of light, at the right time and place, rather than simply flooding areas with brightness.
The Dark Side of Brightness: Tackling Light Pollution
